Greetings from India. Just wanted to say that I loved the way you compared the two boots. Very informative and helpful review. I just placed an order for the tcx boots.
Thanks for this, I think it's the best video on the comparison I've seen. I only started looking around because after a year of having the Forma on my wish list I went to buy and they're out of stock in my size. I'm glad I did. Every time I go to buy motorcycle boots so far I have wound up with TCXs.
My first pair of TCXs which I still have, there's a flap in the tongue that digs into the top of my foot a lot of the time and I have to keep messing with them to make them stop. Hoping that's not a problem with these.
I don't think that will be a problem with the Baja. Everybody's feet are different, of course, but the construction is smooth in that area. I do recommend using a leather conditioner and taking some time to break in the boots by bending and stretching them with your hands and maybe wearing them walking around a little bit. Mine are breaking in quickly.
I owned the Formas and returned them because I couldn't shift into 2nd at all on my R1200RT. Ended up with some Icons that have worked well. I like the TCX style and will try them based on your review. However, I do have wide feet. Thanks for this video!
Yeah, there's no question that the Formas are a little tight on the RT. I can shift, but I need to think about it before I do! The TCX brand in general does have a narrower profile for the foot, so you may not like the Baja either. I'm finding that they break in very easily, though. If you have to buy online, just make sure you can return them if need be. Both the Forma and TCX are good quality boots, but good fitment is the key to comfortable riding.
I own a pair of the TCX, but in the higher variant. But I tried the Formas before buying the. TCX's. I found the same problem with the stiff soles as you. I found the TCX comfortable almost immeadialy. I use mine for on/off road riding, and they seem to do a fine job so far. I will say that the pair I have are not very waterproof at all, but all of the motocross type boots I've had over the years weren't either. So I will keep mine and keep slapping on the mink oil. One comment on you're showing the boots on your RT. I had an RT and that had the worst peg to shifter distance of any bike I have owned. I don't think flip flops could fit in there. The whole time I owned it, I as searching for a longer shift lever.
Yeah, the waterproofing I take with a grain of salt. Once you get into heavy downpours for an extended period all bets are off. I figure, though, if I treat the leather that will add some time to the waterproofing because it delays the need for the waterproofing layer underneath.
I was looking at these boots to replace my 15 year old Sidi Vertabae boots and they’re for touring. Glad I watched your video as everyone was saying they’re off road only boots 👍😂
Yeah, you don't need to stay in the marketing box the manufacturer prepared for you! Both the Baja mid and the Forma Adventure Low make great street riding boots and the taller versions are fine too if you like that style. I just wore my TCX Baja's yesterday on a highway ride and I was thinking how perfect they were for me.
I have returned two pairs of Forma Adventure Low boots to Revzilla because the right boot had some type of downward protrusion of the material between the inner liner and outer leather in the area of upper end of toes and metatarsal that gouged into my foot top when the boot flexed when walking.
Hey, greetings from Greece. Nice video, thoughtful comparison. Could you please write me about toe protection on the TCX? Is this area reinforced somehow, and up to where, does it at least cover the whole toe area? What happens in the outer side, where you are going to touch the ground if you are leaning too much, is it reinforced?
The outer edge of the front of the boot has a second layer of leather, so it looks like it would hold up in a slide pretty well. The toe area in the front is reinforced with something, probably plastic. Obviously I can't tell what it is without taking it apart, but it appears to be reinforced.
can you tell me if they soften a little with use? I have not used them yet but in the stationary test it is impossible for me to be able to use the rear brake while keeping my foot on the platform (before I used the tcx hubs), the same for the gearbox which to climb I have to take my foot off.
Both the TCX Baja and Forma Low will break-in and become softer, especially if you apply a leather conditioner. However, the Forma boot stays with a pretty tall and wide toe, which can make shifting difficult. The TCX toe does flatten out with a little use and I've had no trouble shifting on the three different bikes I've ridden with those boots. Using a leather conditioner and walking around your house for a day wearing them will hasten the break-in.
I've used a number of different treatments. You can find various Mink oil formulations, but the truth is that they contain little or no mink oil. I've used Sno Seal brand, which is okay, but it is best applied with some heat from a hair dryer and it tends to dry out pretty quickly. Huberd's Shoe Grease is another product I've tried, applying with a small brush. That is mostly bee's wax and it works pretty well, but it does have a unique smoky scent when first applied. There are also many automotive leather treatments which might be used on boots too. In the end, it probably isn't that critical as long as you prevent the leather from drying and cracking.
I’m glad you mentioned that on the Forma boot when you squat or bend the boot at the toe that it gouges into your metatarsal.
Greetings from India. Just wanted to say that I loved the way you compared the two boots. Very informative and helpful review. I just placed an order for the tcx boots.
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for this, I think it's the best video on the comparison I've seen. I only started looking around because after a year of having the Forma on my wish list I went to buy and they're out of stock in my size. I'm glad I did. Every time I go to buy motorcycle boots so far I have wound up with TCXs.
My first pair of TCXs which I still have, there's a flap in the tongue that digs into the top of my foot a lot of the time and I have to keep messing with them to make them stop. Hoping that's not a problem with these.
I don't think that will be a problem with the Baja. Everybody's feet are different, of course, but the construction is smooth in that area. I do recommend using a leather conditioner and taking some time to break in the boots by bending and stretching them with your hands and maybe wearing them walking around a little bit. Mine are breaking in quickly.
@@tinderboxarts My other concern is that my feet are a bit wide. I usually take a 10 wide.
I owned the Formas and returned them because I couldn't shift into 2nd at all on my R1200RT. Ended up with some Icons that have worked well. I like the TCX style and will try them based on your review. However, I do have wide feet. Thanks for this video!
Yeah, there's no question that the Formas are a little tight on the RT. I can shift, but I need to think about it before I do! The TCX brand in general does have a narrower profile for the foot, so you may not like the Baja either. I'm finding that they break in very easily, though. If you have to buy online, just make sure you can return them if need be. Both the Forma and TCX are good quality boots, but good fitment is the key to comfortable riding.
TCX boots are wide
I own a pair of the TCX, but in the higher variant. But I tried the Formas before buying the. TCX's. I found the same problem with the stiff soles as you. I found the TCX comfortable almost immeadialy. I use mine for on/off road riding, and they seem to do a fine job so far. I will say that the pair I have are not very waterproof at all, but all of the motocross type boots I've had over the years weren't either. So I will keep mine and keep slapping on the mink oil. One comment on you're showing the boots on your RT. I had an RT and that had the worst peg to shifter distance of any bike I have owned. I don't think flip flops could fit in there. The whole time I owned it, I as searching for a longer shift lever.
Yeah, the waterproofing I take with a grain of salt. Once you get into heavy downpours for an extended period all bets are off. I figure, though, if I treat the leather that will add some time to the waterproofing because it delays the need for the waterproofing layer underneath.
I was looking at these boots to replace my 15 year old Sidi Vertabae boots and they’re for touring. Glad I watched your video as everyone was saying they’re off road only boots 👍😂
Yeah, you don't need to stay in the marketing box the manufacturer prepared for you! Both the Baja mid and the Forma Adventure Low make great street riding boots and the taller versions are fine too if you like that style. I just wore my TCX Baja's yesterday on a highway ride and I was thinking how perfect they were for me.
I have returned two pairs of Forma Adventure Low boots to Revzilla because the right boot had some type of downward protrusion of the material between the inner liner and outer leather in the area of upper end of toes and metatarsal that gouged into my foot top when the boot flexed when walking.
Yeah, that's the sort of detail which drives me nuts. It might be fine while riding, but you step off the bike and it's annoying.
Can you use this as a daily if daily riding is having some fun for an hour and popping in to the store a minute?
Yes, without a doubt. However, this boot appears to be discontinued. I wish I had bought an extra pair before they disappeared!
Hey, greetings from Greece. Nice video, thoughtful comparison. Could you please write me about toe protection on the TCX? Is this area reinforced somehow, and up to where, does it at least cover the whole toe area? What happens in the outer side, where you are going to touch the ground if you are leaning too much, is it reinforced?
The outer edge of the front of the boot has a second layer of leather, so it looks like it would hold up in a slide pretty well. The toe area in the front is reinforced with something, probably plastic. Obviously I can't tell what it is without taking it apart, but it appears to be reinforced.
@@tinderboxarts Thank you much!
can you tell me if they soften a little with use? I have not used them yet but in the stationary test it is impossible for me to be able to use the rear brake while keeping my foot on the platform (before I used the tcx hubs), the same for the gearbox which to climb I have to take my foot off.
Both the TCX Baja and Forma Low will break-in and become softer, especially if you apply a leather conditioner. However, the Forma boot stays with a pretty tall and wide toe, which can make shifting difficult. The TCX toe does flatten out with a little use and I've had no trouble shifting on the three different bikes I've ridden with those boots. Using a leather conditioner and walking around your house for a day wearing them will hasten the break-in.
@@tinderboxarts thank you
Can I ask what you treat the leather with please?
I've used a number of different treatments. You can find various Mink oil formulations, but the truth is that they contain little or no mink oil. I've used Sno Seal brand, which is okay, but it is best applied with some heat from a hair dryer and it tends to dry out pretty quickly. Huberd's Shoe Grease is another product I've tried, applying with a small brush. That is mostly bee's wax and it works pretty well, but it does have a unique smoky scent when first applied. There are also many automotive leather treatments which might be used on boots too. In the end, it probably isn't that critical as long as you prevent the leather from drying and cracking.
What is the height of these boots? Like 14 inch tall?
It may vary slight by size, but these in the video are 9.5 inches from the floor to the top.
Elmer Station